The work is exhibited in a gallery space as a presentation of my own outlook on two polarities; the cultural scene and the government of the Republic of Croatia. By dissecting the work one can observe that there are several components which are bound to each other and, as such, indivisible. The visual impression is limited to only two achromatic colors, two polarities; white and black color, stressing the above stated relationship which I often bring into question in my works. Although whiteness prevails in the work (the sheet of the tent), one can notice that it is actually supported by the black foundation (the poles), of almost negligible quantity, but without which the tent would not be stable, and be what it is. The front entrance into the tent has been sewn shut from the outside with black thread, once again of almost negligible blackness compared to the white sheet of the tent. The black label (Made in Croatia / Property of the Ministry of Culture) reminds us that we are, on more than one level, dependent on the Mother State, as our upbringing and practice tell us. Can a loveless child be a contended child? In other words, can a cultural scene exist without the state and that relationship which becomes more questionable year after year?! The state creates the generally accepted social conditions, considering culture to be a fringe element of national interests, a burden, something redundant, or it does not consider it at all when all is said and done. The snubbing attitude of the state towards culture raises questions such as whether this society needs anything cultural, should we nurture culture, rest our hopes on it, or simply leave it to be its own purpose, and prescribe it in such doses which would ensure that the tent occupants do not protest as they repeat their mantra: “Shut up, things will get better!” On the other hand, is there a limit after which pleasure becomes pain, and I ask myself whether we had already passed it?

Is the state or culture the one with a problem? Or maybe better days will arrive when art will, (un)fortunately, disappear from people’s lives in the Republic of Croatia.